Verb
/ˈtɾon.t͡ʃaɾ/
In Spanish, the verb "tronchar" primarily denotes the action of breaking or snapping something suddenly, often with a connotation of force or rupture. It can refer to physical objects, such as branches or sticks, that are broken. In a broader metaphorical sense, it can also refer to dismantling or discontinuing something, like a discussion or plan.
The frequency of use can vary, but "tronchar" is less common in everyday conversation compared to simpler alternatives like "romper" (to break). Its usage is slightly more prevalent in written contexts such as literature or technical descriptions, but it can be employed in oral speech when discussing specific actions related to breaking.
She snapped the branch of the tree with her hand.
Los niños troncharon las galletas en forma de estrella.
The children broke the star-shaped cookies.
Debemos tronchar esta conversación antes de que se vuelva más complicada.
"Tronchar" is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions but can occasionally be applied in specific contexts to convey the idea of breaking or stopping something abruptly. Here are a couple of example sentences that illustrate this:
To clip someone's wings. (This refers to limiting someone's potential or capabilities, often used in a figurative sense when someone is hindered from achieving their goals.)
Tronchar un asunto.
The term "tronchar" derives from the Latin word "truncāre," which means "to cut off." This root highlights the action of severing or breaking off, consistent with its modern usage in Spanish.
Synonyms: - Romper (to break) - Cortar (to cut) - Quebrar (to break)
Antonyms: - Unir (to unite) - Conectar (to connect) - Reforzar (to reinforce)
In summary, "tronchar" conveys the idea of breaking or snapping something, primarily used in physical contexts but also applicable in metaphorical scenarios. Its usage can be context-dependent, and it has origins in Latin, connecting it to similar verbs in English related to cutting or breaking.